Porto are under investigation for match-fixing and could be relegated to the second division.
Portuguese club under investigation for match-fixing
Porto are under investigation for match-fixing and could be relegated to the second division.
The Portuguese Professional League (LDFP) is looking into allegations of corrupting the referee in two domestic games in the 2003/4 season.
The 2-0 victory over Estrela da Amadora 2-0 and the goalless draw with Beira Mar are the matches at the centre of the inquiry, while club president Pinto da Costa is also under investigation.
A brief statement on the club's official website read: "FC Porto and their president have been notified by the Portuguese Professional Football League (LPFP) of the accusations and investigations concerning matches between FC Porto and Estrela da Amadora, and Beira Mar and FC Porto."
The case - referred to in Portugal as 'the golden whistle' - has been monitored for nearly four years, with close collaboration between the LPFP and the Portuguese legal system.
Porto have sent the accusations to their lawyers and have five days to submit their defence.
The club could be docked three points from this campaign - in which they currently lead Benfica by 16 points - or face relegation to the second division.
Da Costa could face a ban of up to 10 years if found guilty of corruption or six months to two years for attempted corruption.
The Porto president was charged in 2005 for three offences of active corruption and corrupt practices, but was released because of a lack of evidence.
Porto enjoyed one of their greatest ever season in 2003/4 as they won the UEFA Champions League under Jose Mourinho.
